Slow Metabolism? Check Your Hormones

When it comes to weight gain, blame it on the hormones. Based on research published by the Journal Of the American Medical Association, Mehmet Oz, M.D., known as TV’s Dr. Oz, explains that four major hormones are responsible for how and where the body stores fat. An imbalance in your cortisol, testosterone, estrogen and insulin hormone levels can slow down your metabolism and trigger weight gain.

“If your level of any of the essential hormones is too high, you need to reduce it. If your level is too low, you need to raise it,” explained Dr. Tami Meraglia, a weight-loss expert and author of The Hormone Secret.

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If you have trouble losing weight in key areas, or notice the pounds creeping on easier, read on to see if your hormones are out of balance and what simple changes you can make to get them back in check.

1. High Cortisol

Problem Area: Bloated belly

Nicknamed ” the stress hormone,” cortisol can be a significant contributor to weight gain. When we’re stressed out, the body responds as if we’re starving and releases cortisol. High cortisol levels take the blood sugar your body is converting and places it into fat for long-term storage, usually around the midsection. Left unaddressed, cortisol in abundance increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

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Weight gain, specifically around your stomach area (even if you are eating healthy and exercising)

Difficulty sleeping and feeling tired after you have slept well

Thinning hair

Dull skin

Low sex drive

Constipation or diarrhea

Problem Solved!

Reducing stress is the best way to lower your cortisol levels. When you wake up in the morning, your cortisol levels are higher than normal. When you eat food first thing after waking up, you metabolize food slower. Instead, get in a quick workout, like yoga, which will help you decrease some of your stress and lower your cortisol levels.

Eat an hour or two after your workout, a more optimal time for your body to burn fat. Skip the coffee, which can raise your cortisol. Ideal foods for cortisol reduction include leafy greens and oatmeal.

2. Low testosterone

Problem area: Stubborn upper arm flab

Women produce and need testosterone, too. Testosterone is important because it helps you to grow your muscles which support your metabolism functioning properly. Low testosterone and an overload of estrogen can increase your insulin insensitivity which creates the opposite effect, causing weight gain.

Signs of low testosterone can include:

Fatigue and exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep

Difficulty losing weight and weight gain

A low libido

Mood swings and depression

Being anxious or having a lack of focus

Hair loss

Problem solved!

Daily, moderate exercise, specifically weight training or walking 30 minutes, can help raise your testosterone or T levels. Having a healthy sex life and having sex once a week helps to elevate and increase your T levels. Sleep at least 7 – 9 hours a night. Eat foods that are rich in zinc like beans, nuts, seafood and whole grains.